Can I widen from 195 to 205 without changing the rims?
2 Answers
It is possible to widen from 195 to 205 without changing the rims because there are no national regulations prohibiting the use of tires one size larger. However, the size of the rims must not be altered and must match the original factory specifications. If the rim size is changed and discovered by traffic police, you may face penalties requiring mandatory restoration. Generally, 195 tires are paired with 15-inch rims, while 205 tires are paired with 16-inch rims. A 15-inch rim can accommodate up to a 205 tire, but it is still recommended to use a 16-inch rim. The numbers 195 and 205 represent the tire's cross-sectional width: 195 indicates a tire width of 195mm, and 205 indicates a tire width of 205mm.
I've thought about this - directly switching to wider tires without changing the rims depends on specific conditions. First, check the J value of the original wheel rims, which indicates the rim width. For example, a 195 rim is usually 6J. While a 205 tire can barely fit, it would stretch too much. I recommend checking the owner's manual or directly measuring the inner width of the rim with a ruler - 205 tires are best matched with 6.5J rims. After the change, the tires will protrude slightly outward and might rub against the fender during sharp turns, especially when fully loaded. Additionally, wider tires will increase fuel consumption - an extra half liter per 100 kilometers is normal, but the wet traction does improve significantly. Finally, remember to realign the wheels, or uneven tire wear could cost you dearly.
